SARS-CoV-2 specific neutralizing antibodies in vaccinated and unvaccinated HIV-positive individuals in the Dominican Republic

Abstract

Occurrence of COVID infection in high burden HIV countries has been observed and associated to chronic infections and variants emergence. In the Dominican Republic it is estimated 1% of the population living with HIV. The aim of this study was to evaluate specific SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies in PLWHIV in a HIV Clinic, and to determine the clinical characteristics of reported COVID-19. Blood samples were collected after informed consent was signed for SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies detection. Data was collected from March 2020-October 2021. All participants completed a questionnaire. Samples were analyzed using IchromaTM II using a cut-off index (COI) for fluorescent interpretation. A total of 213 participants fulfil the study inclusion criteria. Mean age was 31 years old (SD 14). SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies were detected in 75% of participants. None experienced severe COVID-19. Vaccination status with at least one dose was reported in 71% of participants. The most common symptoms reported were anosmia 69% (n=65), dysgeusia 65% (n=61) and cough 60% (n=56). The most frequent comorbidity was arterial hypertension 61% (n=43), and diabetes mellitus 10% (n=7). A weak negative correlation was found between antibody detection and immune status (CD4 counts/HIV viral loads), rho=-0.218, p < 0.05. Knowing the most frequent clinical manifestations of people with SARS-CoV-2 and living with HIV helps us to offer a timely diagnosis and avoid future complications. Detection of specific neutralizing antibodies in immunosuppressed and/or not virally suppressed will facilitate immunological comprehension of vaccine campaigns (including boosters) and other preventive interventions.